The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • Akwa Ibom, Ondo Step up preparations for 2nd Niger Delta Games

    Akwa Ibom, Ondo Step up preparations for 2nd Niger Delta Games

    Preparations for the 2nd  Niger Delta Games (NDG) are revving up in most of the states as they co8unt down to their respective final selection process at the States Finals.

    From Cross River to Akwa Ibom, Imo to Bayelsa and Delta, Edo and Ondo, the registration processes has moved to uploading of completed forms to the Games registration portal.

    Some state’s Liaison Committees are engaging their respective sports associations for technical assistance towards organising the state finals.

    Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Liaison Committee, Elder Paul Bassey, who is also the Commissioner for Sports, expressed satisfaction with the concluded registration process.

    “The uploading of forms and registration processes have been seamless so far, with athletes and officials responding positively.

    “This smooth coordination reflects the state’s early commitment to ensuring a strong and organised presence at the Games” Bassey told NDG Media.

    He also disclosed that training activities are well underway, as athletes across various sports have begun intensive preparations ahead of the trials.

    Read Also: 16th Round: NFF agree to pay Super Eagles $30,000 each

    “The mood in camp is upbeat, with participants showing high levels of enthusiasm, focus, and competitiveness”, he concluded.

    In Akure, the Ondo State NDG Liaison Committee met with key stakeholders to fine-tune preparations for the forthcoming Games.

    The meeting, which held on Tuesday at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, brought together representatives of state sports council and those of the various associations.

    Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Liaison Committee, Henry Omoyofunmi, said the engagement was designed to harmonise plans to ensure that the state have a good outing in Benin.

  • Goldberg reinforces support for Super Eagles for Bronze medal match

    Goldberg reinforces support for Super Eagles for Bronze medal match

    As the Super Eagles prepare to face Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations third-place match, Goldberg Lager Beer is once again calling fans together with another edition of its Festival of Drums and Light. The event reinforces Goldberg’s message that support for Nigerian football goes beyond wins and losses.

    Building on the strong turnout recorded during the quarter-final and semi-final matches, Goldberg is set to deliver another match-day experience on Saturday at the Lion Wonder Arena in Egbeda, Lagos.

    Activities will begin at 4:00 p.m. prompt, giving fans enough time to settle in before kick-off.

    The Festival of Drums and Light is a key part of Goldberg’s Our Beat, Our Gold campaign. The campaign has followed the Super Eagles throughout AFCON 2025 with viewing centres, cultural experiences and fan celebrations across Lagos and beyond.

    It draws from the rhythm, passion and togetherness that define how Nigerians experience football.

    This edition will combine football, music and culture. According to the brand, the Egbeda venue will host live performances from Small Doctor, Shoday, Hardvantage and DJ Neptune, adding colour and energy ahead of the Nigeria versus Egypt match.

    Fans at the event will enjoy Goldberg’s signature match-day atmosphere. There will be branded spaces, music, light entertainment and ice-cold Goldberg Lager Beer available throughout the evening.

    Speaking ahead of the event, Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager Brands at Nigerian Breweries Plc, Laolu Babalola Kunle, said the focus remains on the fans and the team.

    “Our Beat, Our Gold is about how Nigerians show up for football,” he said. “Whether it’s a final, a semi-final or a third-place match, the passion stays the same. The Festival of Drums and Light gives fans a place to come together, enjoy the game and celebrate the Super Eagles.”

    Read Also: 16th Round: NFF agree to pay Super Eagles $30,000 each

    He said the third-place match offers the team another chance to end the tournament on a positive note.

     “The Super Eagles have given a good account of themselves at this AFCON,” he said. “This match against Egypt is another chance to show character, and the fans will be right behind them.”

    Also speaking, the Senior Brand Manager, Goldberg, Kunle Aroyehun, described the festival as part of the company’s wider support for Nigerian football culture.

     “Goldberg has a long history with Nigerian football,” he said. “Our role goes beyond sponsorship. These fan experiences are about culture, connection and shared pride. Even after missing the final, it is important to keep the energy positive and support the team to the end.”

    Nigeria and Egypt share a long AFCON rivalry. Saturday’s match offers another chapter in that history. For many fans, it is also a chance to celebrate the Super Eagles’ journey and look ahead with optimism.

    From drums and lights to live music and football, Goldberg says the Festival of Drums and Light is its way of keeping fans connected to the game and to one another.

  • Mane looks to bow out in glory

    Mane looks to bow out in glory

    Senegalese captain Sadio Mane is keen to pick up another winner’s medal, having seemingly announced that this will be his last appearance at Afcon.

    “A final is meant to be won,” Mane said.

    “I will be very happy to play my last Afcon final, to enjoy it and to make my country win.”

    However, Senegal have an array of attacking talent alongside Mane, with Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Habib Diallo, Ismaila Sarr and 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye all offering a goal threat.

    Read Also: 16th Round: NFF agree to pay Super Eagles $30,000 each

    The Teranga Lions will be without captain Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Habib Diarra through suspension, but goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye are among the survivors from their last triumph.

    They will feature in the final for the fourth time, having lost the showpiece match in 2002 and 2019 before finally claiming the title four years ago.

    Thiaw, like Regragui, has also tasted Afcon defeat as a player as part of the squad which was beaten on penalties by Cameroon 24 years ago.

    However, he will have the chance to create his own piece of history, potentially becoming the first man to coach a side to both CHAN and Afcon glory.

  • Iwobi sets record ahead of Nigeria, Egypt clash

    Iwobi sets record ahead of Nigeria, Egypt clash

    Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi has set a record ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON third-place final against Egypt on Saturday.

    According to OptaJoe, Iwobi has made the most line-breaking passes, leading to 13 shots and 4 goals at the ongoing AFCON in Morocco.

    The Fulham star has also made the most total line-breaking passes (44) in the knockout stages.

    Read Also: 16th Round: NFF agree to pay Super Eagles $30,000 each

    Iwobi has been impressive for the Super Eagles at the AFCON tournament so far.

    The 29-year-old will now hope to lead Eric Chelle’s side to victory when Nigeria face Egypt this weekend.

    Iwobi was unable to help Nigeria to victory against Morocco in the semi-final tie played on Wednesday as the Atlas Lions won 4-2 on penalties following a goalless draw.

  • Morocco look to end AFCON title 50-year wait

    Morocco look to end AFCON title 50-year wait

    Morocco will look to end a 50-year wait for their second continental title when they face Senegal in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.

    But the Atlas Lions will also be looking to garner the ultimate return for their country’s huge investment in footballing infrastructure.

    The game in Rabat pits the continent’s top two teams against one another, with the North Africans ranked 11th in the world and the Teranga Lions eight places below them.

    “We are waiting for this trophy for 50 years now,” Morocco defender Romain Saiss told the BBC World Service.

    Read Also: Victor Osimhen not leaving AFCON camp — NFF official

    “It’s been a long time for everyone in the country. It’s the dream of all Moroccans.”

    Morocco boast the best defence at the finals, with five clean sheets and the only goal conceded by Yassine Bounou coming from the penalty spot, but will face a stern examination from a Senegal side which has scored 12 times en route to booking their place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

    The West Africans are also bidding for their second Afcon crown, having claimed their maiden trophy at the 2021 edition in Cameroon.

  • Bassey: Super Eagles will push hard to beat Egypt for AFCON third place

    Bassey: Super Eagles will push hard to beat Egypt for AFCON third place

    Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has reflected on the Super Eagles’ semi-final defeat to the Atlas Lions of Morocco, and insisted that the team will go all out to secure third position, DAILY POST reports.

    Bassey was one of the top performers for the Super Eagles in the defeat to the hosts in Rabat on Wednesday night.

    The Fulham defender completely shut out Morocco dangerman, Ayoub El Kaabi in the game.

    Reacting to Nigeria’s failure to reach the final of the AFCON, Bassey expressed pride with  the team’s performance.

    Read Also: Ladipo: NFF interference killing Football Supporters Club

    The 26-year-old also insisted that the Super Eagles will fight to win the third-place match against Egypt.

    “We thank God in all situations. A gutting way to end the tournament. The support and togetherness we’ve felt has been special. Sorry we couldn’t take it all the way, we fought and gave it our all. We’ll build on this. Not finished yet though, we still have something to push for,” Bassey wrote on X.

    The Super Eagles will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in the third-place match at the Mohammed V Sports Complex,Casablanca on Saturday.

    Bassey will miss the clash with Hossam Hassan’s side due to suspension.

  • Ndidi wants Chelle to continue as Nigeria coach

    Ndidi wants Chelle to continue as Nigeria coach

    Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has rallied support for Eric Chelle to continue as the team’s coach despite not meeting the target of guiding them to the final of the 2025 AFCON.

    The NFF set a target for Eric Chelle to lead the Super Eagles to the final of the 2025 AFCON.

    However, the team fell on penalties to hosts Morocco in the semifinal of the competition.

    Ndidi has now come out to support that the former Mali coach continues to lead the Super Eagles.

    “I want us to keep the coach,” the Besiktas midfielder said at a pre-match briefing in Casablanca, Morocco, today.

    “We should be focused on continuity at this point.”

    Read Also: 16th Round: NFF agree to pay Super Eagles $30,000 each

    Ndidi said Eric Chelle has demanded much from the team.

    “He is so demanding. I’ve never seen a coach as demanding…Not just on the field but off it, even down to how we eat,” he remarked.

    “He’s a nice guy and connects with his players, but when it’s time for the job, he doesn’t joke.”

    Eric Chelle signed a two-year contract in January 2025 that pays him $50,000 a month along with his selected assistants.

  • Botswana applies to host AFCON 2028

    Botswana applies to host AFCON 2028

    Botswana has officially submitted its bid to host AFCON 2028 on its home soil.

    Botswana has formally expressed its ambition to co-host AFCON 2028 in partnership with South Africa. This announcement comes as the CAF Executive Committee is currently meeting in Rabat to outline the framework of upcoming continental competitions. For Botswana, this project represents a fresh opportunity after its unsuccessful solo bid for the 2027 edition.

    Read Also: Mikel berates  NFF on Super Eagles’ preps for AFCON 2025

    This Southern African duo will face stiff competition, notably from Morocco, which is also eyeing this landmark edition. The final decision from the governing body is eagerly awaited by nations and fans of African football alike.

  • Cade eSports, Game Evolution unite to scale African esports

    Cade eSports, Game Evolution unite to scale African esports

    Cade eSports and Game Evolution have renewed their strategic partnership toward accelerating the growth of gaming and eSports across Africa.

    Paulson Chima, CEO and Founder of Cade eSports, and Mr. Adenipebi Sholakunmi, CEO and Founder of Game Evolution outlined a shared vision of positioning Cade eSports as the largest gaming and eSports provider on the continent, while transforming Africa into a globally competitive force in the gaming industry.

    Since the start of their collaboration in 2023, the two organisations have jointly hosted over 50 eSports tournaments, including the Cade African Gaming Expo (CAGE), which has been recognised as the largest eSports tournament in Africa since 2024.

    Read Also: Super Eagles: NFF  demands compensation from Airtel over ambush marketing

    Chima said that accessibility remains central to the partnership’s mission.

    He said the organisations are focused on breaking entry barriers by exposing more young people to gaming and eSports through access to gaming consoles, PCs, and mobile platforms.

    “Our goal is to make gaming accessible to everyone, especially young Africans who have the talent but lack the tools. This partnership is about inclusion, opportunity, and long-term impact,” he said.

    A major highlight of the press conference was the unveiling of new grassroots-focused initiatives, including the National E-Soccer Pro League (Division 2), scheduled to run from January 17 to March 2026. The league will serve as a pathway to CAGE26, which will feature six gaming titles: EAFC, Street Fighter, Free Fire, Chess, Just Dance, and Fortnite.

  • Egypt want podium finish, Super Eagles can’t stop us, say Trezeguet

    Egypt want podium finish, Super Eagles can’t stop us, say Trezeguet

    Egypt winger Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trezeguet’ has declared the Pharaohs ready for battle against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

    Hossam Hassan’s side have shifted attention to the third-place match after their disappointing 1-0 loss to Senegal in the semi-final.

    The game is slated for the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca on Saturday.

    Trezeguet has kind words for the Super Eagles but insisted that they want victory against Éric Chelle’s men.

    Read Also: NFF will decide my future as Super Eagles coach – Chelle

    “Nigeria has a good team with great players but we are fully focused on winning and finishing the AFCON with a positive result,” Trezeguet declared.

    It would be recalled that Hossam Hassan’s side defeated Nigeria 1-0 in a friendly just before the start of the AFCON.

    Similarly, Egypt head coach, Hossam Hassan has said his team is motivated to secure third position.

    The Pharaohs will lock horns with the Super Eagles in the third-place match at the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca on Saturday.

    The game will kick-off at 5pm Nigeria time.